The Future of DTT in Spain: Transitioning to DVB-T2
Spain is gearing up for a significant upgrade in its Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) system, transitioning from the older DVB-T standard to the newer DVB-T2. This change promises not only improved broadcasting capabilities but also the introduction of a new channel. However, a challenge looms as over half of Spanish households may struggle to adapt to this transition.
The Introduction of a New Channel
Recently, the Official State Gazette (BOE) announced the awarding of a new television channel to Integrated Television Entertainment Services (SEVEN). The Ministry for Digital Transformation and Public Service granted a 15-year license to SEVEN, a company managed by Andrés Varela and associated with shareholders from the Prisa group. This marks a critical step in the modernization of Spanish television, as SEVEN must start broadcasting within six months, coinciding with the channel retuning and migration to the DVB-T2 standard.
Understanding Multiplexes
To grasp the changes in DTT, it is essential to understand how it operates. Channels typically do not broadcast individually; instead, they are grouped in packages known as multiplexes. Think of these multiplexes as highways, enabling multiple channels to reach your television antenna simultaneously.
The Shift to DVB-T2
The existing multiplexes operate using the DVB-T standard. The new DVB-T2 standard, however, allows for 68% more data to be transmitted and switches from the H.264 codec to the more efficient H.265 codec (HEVC). This advanced codec not only enhances video quality but also requires less data to deliver high-definition content—similar to how modern smartphones record videos.
What Lies Ahead
The timeline for the full transition is still tentative, with several milestones to be achieved:
- First Phase: The state manifold RGE2, shared among major networks like RTVE, Atresmedia, and Mediaset2, will migrate to the DVB-T2 standard. This shift comes with enhanced efficiency and the capability to broadcast Ultra High Definition (UHD) content.
- Second Phase: The general transition to DVB-T2 will only take place when at least 95% of DTT receivers are compatible, and 90% of televisions can handle UHD broadcasts.
The Challenge of Compatibility
A significant obstacle in this upgrade is the current compatibility of television sets. Currently, only 36.6% of televisions in Spain support 4K broadcasts, falling short of the 95% target mandated by the Ministry for Digital Transformation and Public Service. This disparity raises concerns, as many households may be ill-equipped for the migration.
Looking Ahead
The first phase of the transition is anticipated to be underway by 2026. However, full completion is not expected until after 2030, when all legacy devices must be phased out in favor of DVB-T2-compatible models. It’s worth noting that since last year, the sale of non-DVB-T2 compliant televisions has been prohibited in Spain, emphasizing the urgency for consumers to upgrade their devices.
The announcement of SEVEN represents a significant turning point for Spanish DTT, setting the stage for future innovations. However, the road ahead will require concerted efforts to ensure that households across Spain can embrace these changes without disruption to their viewing experiences.